NAN-H-87
Economy
By Kola Adeyemi
Lokoja, Nov. 1, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi State said on Tuesday that the state was very crucial to Nigeria’s economic recovery and attainment of prosperity.
Bello spoke through his Director-General, Media and Publicity, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, while addressing members of a socio-political group, Kogi Hope Alive in Lokoja.
According to him, 27 out of the 36 solid minerals found to be in large commercial deposits in the country are located in the state alone.
He said that the state, blessed with a large arable farmland suitable for cultivation of variety of crops, was also endowed with tourism sites that could be developed to global standards to attract foreign exchange.
The governor said that these factors, among others, had made the state to become one of the most important drivers for the anticipated diversified economy that would be less dependent on oil.
“The Ajaokuta Steel Company, if completed, can spark a beehive of economic and industrial activities. Steel production is one of the surest paths to becoming a global player politically, economically and industrially.
“Ajaokuta Steel can provide a steady path to national greatness,” he said.
Bello said that the state government was aware of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to resuscitate Ajaokuta Steel Company, but insisted that a private sector-led economy was the best way out.
“A private sector-led economy will reduce our cost of running government, as the size of the civil service will be such that our resources can manage.
“We call on the Federal Government to expedite action on the Ajaokuta Steel and the National Iron Ore Mining Company at Itakpe to help the administration’s quest for economic diversification and industrial revolution.
The two projects will have a massive impact on our economy as well as create thousands of jobs,” Bello said.
He expressed confidence in the Federal Government’s ability to weather the storm and put Nigeria back on sound economic footing.
Bello pleaded with investors to come to the state, saying that his administration had put in place a less rigorous process to enhance ease of doing business.
According to him, government will provide adequate security for all investments and personnel. (NAN)
KKA/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle